Somaliland local elections: International Election Observers applaud commitment to democracy but

With results finally confirmed in Somaliland’s local elections, held on
November 28th 2012, the international election observation mission
assembled by Progressio, DPU and Somaliland Focus (UK) congratulates the people
ofSomaliland and the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on a lively and
enthusiastic election campaign and voting process. However, in advance of writing our final report, to be released in mid-2013,
we must also report a number of substantial concerns.

The election’s aftermath has been marked by a build-up of tension over the
course of a slow counting process. Once results began to be released, the NEC
came under extreme pressure over disputes to results from several sides, and was
subjected to a shooting attack on its headquarters in the town ofErigavo.
Regrettably, post-election protests saw a number of deaths in protests in
Hargeisa,Somaliland’s capital.

Although the NEC has now moved to confirm results, and we have been heartened
by various political leaders urging their supporters to maintain peace and
security when protesting, we recognise that the post-election climate remains
tense.

Our post-poll concerns follow those we expressed immediately following
polling day, when we noted that observers reported attempts at multiple and
underage voting and what appeared to be attempts to mobilise voters to engage in
these attempts. While observers also noted polling station staff attempting to
prevent such activity, such reports pose concerns for the integrity
ofSomaliland’s electoral process.

Now, a month on from voting, it is important that disputes around the
election outcome are peacefully settled. Without peaceful settlement of
disputes,Somaliland’s admirable democratic tradition may be damaged. We urge all
Somalilanders to respect the electoral laws and procedures, so that future
elections can be approached effectively and with confidence.

Specifically, we repeat the recommendation we made immediately following
polling day: in advance of the next elections, we call for Somaliland to adopt a
robust system for voter/citizen registration, in order to improve confidence in
the electoral process.

In closing, we would like to highlight the many positives around this
election: once again, Somalilanders showed how dedicated they are to the unique
democratic spirit they have crafted from their challenging history. In
particular, we are delighted to note real progress in inclusion of youth and
women in the process: the apparent election of ten female candidates represents
a huge step forward, and we look forward to further progress on this front.

Dr Michael Walls, the mission’s joint co-ordinator, said “Somalilandhas made
enormous progress in achieving a difficult transition to a form of
representative democracy. We have long been impressed with that process, and
call on all Somalilanders to maintain their commitment to a peaceful form of
democratic and participatory decision-making.”